We sat down for a Q&A with Julee Kim, Marketing Manager of Boxete in Suwanee. Boxete is a combination of street food from all over the world. Customers can taste the culinary delights in their dishes made from scratch by Executive chefs.
Q: How did your business get started?
A: "Our first thought was Street Food. We wanted to make a way for people to easily access food. When we created Boxete, we also made a system for people to order online and be able to receive it via delivery."
Q: What challenges have you faced along the way?
A: "We had to pause operations due to circumstances which were hard on everyone. We recently reopened under Boxete Kitchen after a long time of planning and lots of big changes. We tried to improve on all aspects and made a modern twist on all parts. We updated our website, changed our operation, and are trying hard to incorporate the trend of social media."
Q: What is your favorite part about your job? Hardest part?
A: "Our favorite part would have to be the people. We love our team and the way everyone is so focused on improving and looking for better ways to do better. We love being able to give small businesses opportunities to use our kitchen as a safe place to grow like Gwang Jang Food Hall and Dorothy Mae's Soul Food Kitchen. The customers are so loving and we genuinely love meeting and being able to serve them. The hardest would also have to be the people. We want everyone to have the opportunity of experiencing our kitchen, but it isn't as easy as said. So, we are trying our best to spread the word and touch the community's hearts with what we have to offer."
Q: What goals do you have for yourself and your career?
A: "Our goal is to introduce as much variety into our kitchen and allow people the freedom to purchase any different cuisine in 1 order. We don't hope for too much, just for those who truly have love for food to come around and be able to enjoy the dishes and experience we provide."
Q: What advice do you have for others wanting to start their own business?
A: "We are not a woman-owned business, but our head chefs are both Asian and one is a woman. They are basically the ones to run the entire thing. Without them, our entire kitchen would not be able to function. Our advice would be to be accepting of any new creative ideas and try your best before giving up."
Explore Gwinnett continues to make an effort to promote local minority-owned, LGBTQ, and women-owned businesses. To support this initiative, we are writing blogs focusing on owners and telling their stories. Click here to read more Local Love stories.
